“Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven” Matt 5:16
Love Easter
The past year has been strange for all of us but it’s been particularly tough for some groups in our society. This pandemic has brought digital poverty into sharp focus. The digital divide between those who have access to devices and Wi-Fi and those who do not has been accentuated. It adds to the disadvantage experienced by some children, creating even greater injustice and imbalance in society. Students in both Primary and Secondary Schools have had to learn from home for most of the year and this type of learning, we are told, is likely to be a significant part of their leaning into the future. This puts many at a huge disadvantage because of a lack of devices and can often lead to anxiety and mental illness. Not knowing what they need to fully participate in their studies, leaves young people feeling uncertain about their future.
As a church we wanted to do something about this...
What we are doing
We are in the process of developing ever closer relationships with some of our local Secondary and Primary schools who are best placed to identify those students most in need of digital support. Any support we provide will go to those who most need them.
We are also partnering with an IT Company who is making laptops available to us for the low price of £250 as long as they are gifted specifically to schools for use by their most disadvantaged students. We, as a church, have also committed £10,000 to be used for this purpose which will fund about 40 laptops. The need is greater than this and this is where you can help.
How you can get involved
There are a number of ways you can partner with us in supporting children and young people and help them get a better start in life.
1. GIVE EGGS: You can donate Easter Eggs, dropping them into the Re-Track office, that we will give to local families alongside J John's brilliant book about The Easter Story. Please drop off your Easter Eggs BEFORE Friday 19 March. (As schools close on 26 March, we need some time to make up parcels and then deliver these to schools for their families). Any questions or for more information contact caroline.cameron@kingsarms.org
2. GIVE DEVICES: If you have an unused laptop or tablet, please consider donating it (click here to make sure the device you have can be used for online lessons). You can drop it off at King's House Monday – Saturday, 8:30am – 8:00pm before Friday 26 March (this will give us time to have your device refurbished before the new term starts). Please ring the telephone number on the Coffee Shop door when you arrive and it will be received from you.
How you can get involved
3. DONATE: It costs between £30 and £150 to refurbish a device so that it is usable for school work. If you are able to give any amount at all, however small, we will put it towards the cost of refurbishing devices. Or if you would like to fund the cost of one or more laptops (£250 each), then please donate via the DONATE button below before Friday 26 March so that we can use your donation to either purchase a laptop of have a donated one refurbished in time for the new school term. If you have any questions or need more information please email caroline.cameron@kingsarms.org
4. PRAY: Please pray for each student (and family) that receives a device from us. We would love them to know how much they are loved by us and our Father God and will be sending a card with each laptop or tablet given.
What about COVID?
To reassure people in this crazy time, King’s House is a COVID secure venue and we will make sure everything donated has 48 hours untouched before distributing as per the government's guidelines.
I have more questions...
If you have questions or need more information please email Caroline on caroline.cameron@kingsarms.org or call 07754 508648.
Let’s #LoveEaster and make the most of this opportunity to see a Tsunami of Love continue to spread across our town.